I've heard from various sources that thick grease isn't ideal for the job as it can make the pawls and their respective springs stick. I have two types of lubricant sitting at home at the moment:
- Finish Line Wet Lubricant (i.e. fairly thick chain oil)
- Finish Line Premium Synthetic Grease
Which one of the above would work better? Is there any risk associated with using either?
Thanks.
Neither, they're both too thick
You'd be better off using 3in1 oil, or if you really want to push the boat out (pun intended)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Harken-Winch-Pawl-Oil-50ml/dp/B005MZ6MFK
What about Finish Line dry lube? I may have some of that lying around and it's a lot thinner than the wet lube.
FL Teflon Grease in mine, no issues with sticking pawls over 2 yrs+ and plenty of miles. They get cleaned out (wipe the worst out then repack) semi-regularly as it's an easy job. Quietens the damn things too..
None on mine, and never do - why would you?
The finish line grease you have will be fine. Remember, you're not trying to fill every void with the stuff, just smear some on the surfaces.
Not used Pro IIs but I use an old unused tube of FL Teflon stuff mixed with a reasonably thick chainsaw oil - makes them lovely and quiet but as I understand it folk tend to buy Hope because they like the noise.
Oil doesn't last. Use grease. Near enough any will do! Just don't over do it.
Wot he said ^, you'll only get issues if you fill it full (packed it) of grease, a good smear of any grease will be fine.
I think you said you hadn't touched the hubs for 2 years in your original post?
Go with grease as oil won't last for you.
I quite like having the hubs slightly quieter so use a fair amount of grease and not had any pickup issues on the 4 pairs of hubs I have.
As above, that grease should be fine, just use sparingly.
None on mine, and never do - why would you?
So they don't go all rusty, start sticking and destroy your hub?
I use a mixture of grease and hypoid transmission oil in mine. No slippage and keeps it quiet.
It's not a demanding job, pretty much any non-sticky grease will do. I use a waterproof one because Hope sealing is poor but I don't think it really matters much.
I agree with Northwind, Hope sealing is poor, so it's got to be grease for me.
I actually use a very thick calcium based waterproof (marine/water pump) grease, which stays in place and doesn't wash out.
The trick with this heavy grease is to use very little of it, no poor than a greasy fingerprint covering on the springs and pawls.
Works well and they remain nice and loud 🙂
I use Lucas oil marine grease in mine, it's what I use for the pivot bearings in my frame too. I've never had a problem with pawls sticking, just be sensible with what you use.
You'd be better off using 3in1 oil, or if you really want to push the boat out (pun intended)http://www.amazon.co.uk/Harken-Winch-Pawl-Oil-50ml/dp/B005MZ6MFK
£12.42, oh my lord.
FL Teflon Grease in mine, no issues with sticking pawls over 2 yrs+ and plenty of miles.
Same here. People are really over thinking this! They come with a thin smear of fairly thick grease from the factory so no need to be too paranoid about the type or thickness of the grease.
Remember, you're not trying to fill every void with the stuff, just smear some on the surfaces.
Can't go far wrong if you take this approach!
I filled mine with Finish Line grease last week to see what would happen, mainly to see if it would quieten it down for a group ride.
It ran absolutely silent for about 20 miles! A faint click did start to emerge eventually and an amount of grease was evident on the drive side spokes by the end of the ride. The seal was checked twice on reassembly so I am assuming the grease got hot.
As far as performance, no discernible difference at all. It worked fine and always hooked up as expected. I will be changing the grease / checking the pawls and springs more regularly now.